The Midwest is not the most likely of sources for ocean-side information, but this summer an ISU professor will offer an online class on coastal management.

The class, available through ISU Extension, will be taught by Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science. “The Policy and Politics of Coastal Areas” will be taught exclusively over the Web for undergraduate or graduate credit June 3-28.

It is estimated that by 2010, the population along U.S. coasts will be 400 people per square mile. Right now, less than 100 people per square mile live in the rest of the country, according to the class’s Web site.

The course is designed for students who want to learn more about protecting fragile coastal environments.

Extension programs are educational programs aimed beyond the campus audiences. The Extension office offers courses to students and professionals in a variety of locations. “They can be anywhere there’s an Internet connection,” Schmidt said.

Online classes’ popularity is increasing.

Jana Berghoefer, program coordinator for Continuing Education and Communications Services, said 612 people enrolled in classes with at least some online instruction in 2000. In the 2002 fiscal year, registration had increased to 1,350.

Berghoefer said the class will likely appeal to people away from the ISU campus.

“Steffen is anticipating the majority of participants are coming from coastal areas,” she said.

Online classes have to use more creative methods of testing student participation, Berghoefer said.

Some instructors use weekly quizzes or monitor chat sessions to keep track of student progress.

“Some of them prefer that students create portfolios or give weekly tests,” she said. The most used method is WebCT, a program that delivers material and can administer tests.

Schmidt said he will use tests and discussion forums over issues of the week to evaluate.

“I’m expecting students will take it seriously,” he said.

The deadline for registration is June 14. More information is available at www.extension.iastate.edu/coastalzone.